Solar Power System, Peter Reiquam Y ’84 MFA

Personal Action

            Peter’s Seattle roof of his house, garden, and studio is home to a substantial solar array. Consisting of thirty-three 270 Watt photovoltaic panels, the system produces 8.9kW of pure, clean and free energy, enough to meet over 100% of the electrical demand of the household and the workshop combined. 

            Brought on line in December 2014, the surplus power generated, along with incentives including a one-time federal income tax credit, low-interest solar-specific bank loan and a waiver of state sales tax for using components manufactured in Washington, has resulted in a break-even, or pay-back time of less than five years. In fact, the system soon became not only self-sustaining, but a money-maker as the State of Washington rewards solar producers with a $0.34 per kW payment for every kW produced whether we use it or not. Any surplus power generated is applied back to the grid for use by other customers.

Community Involvement

            We must hope that with a new administration sustains more favorable policy of environmental responsibility and an emphasis on growing alternative energy sources, that these incentives will be renewed and others enacted that will encourage more homeowners and businesses to embrace energy from the sun.